The Rise of Digital Science Magazines

C5) The Rise of Digital Science Magazines

New digital outlets focusing on serious science journalism often anticipate that their “digital native” readers will be more engaged in the wider world and potentially more involved with their communities than the average person. Because the drive behind journalism has become less about money — for good or bad — we have a tremendous opportunity to reinvigorate the practice of journalism as a societal pillar. We also have an opportunity to raise the overall quality of science content. We believe our audiences can change the world for the better.

Journalists are custodians of democracy, producing stories that matter for citizens to turn to when needed. That is why private foundations and philanthropists are stepping into the void of advertising revenue—there is a fundamental belief in journalism as something that is good and necessary for a society. It’s up to journalists to act the way the arts community has for years: to be adaptive and resilient, and to advocate for the profession.

Panelists who work for new science publications that are experimenting with alternative sources of funding, including from not-for-profit organizations and private foundations, will tackle questions about alternative funding sources, new models for producing serious journalism, the role of straight news, finding an audience, attracting great writers (especially when you have no name cachet) and gauging success in the absence of traditional models such as advertising and subscriptions.